Is Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 89 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid Review
Last updated: January 9, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1982, Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on Juliet Forrest is convinced that the reported death of her father in a mountain car crash was no accident. Under the direction of Carl Reiner, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Steve Martin, Rachel Ward, Alan Ladd. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6.7/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Comedy, Mystery, Crime, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $9,000,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $18,196,170 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid Budget
The estimated production budget for Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid is $9,000,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Cast of Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
- Steve Martin – Rigby Reardon
- Rachel Ward – Juliet Forrest
- Alan Ladd – (in "This Gun For Hire") (archive footage)
- Carl Reiner – Juliet's Butler / Field Marshal Wilfried von Kluck
- Barbara Stanwyck – (in "Sorry - Wrong Number") (archive footage)
Top Highlights
Steve MartinRigby Reardon
Rachel WardJuliet Forrest
Alan Ladd(in "This Gun For Hire") (archive footage)
Carl ReinerJuliet's Butler / Field Marshal Wilfried von Kluck
Barbara Stanwyck(in "Sorry - Wrong Number") (archive footage)
Ray Milland(in "The Lost Weekend") (archive footage)
Ava Gardner(in "The Killers" / "The Bribe") (archive footage)
Burt Lancaster(in "The Killers") (archive footage)
Humphrey Bogart(in "The Big Sleep" / "In a Lonely Place" / "Dark Passage") (archive footage)
Cary Grant(in "Suspicion") (archive footage)
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.7/10, and global collection metrics, Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1982 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid movie hit or flop?
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid has received mixed reviews with a 6.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid worth watching?
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Mystery, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid?
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid is a Comedy, Mystery, Crime movie that Juliet Forrest is convinced that the reported death of her father in a mountain car crash was no accident. Her father was a prominent cheese scientist...
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